Coast’s coronavirus cases hits 70

QUEENSLAND Health has confirmed the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Sunshine Coast has reached 70.

Queensland has 31 new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) raising the state total to 656.

Queensland Health can confirm a third Queenslander has passed away from COVID-19.

A 75-year-old woman with underlying medical conditions died in Caboolture Hospital.

She contracted the disease from a cruise she had recently returned from.

In new restrictions enacted by the Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young yesterday to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Queenslanders cannot have more than 10 people in their house at any one time, excluding households where more than 10 people ordinarily reside.

Dr Young asked all Queenslanders to limit visiting others in their home and to consider other ways of keeping in touch, such as phone calls.

"We need everyone to stay in their own home where possible and ensure social distancing at all times. Unfortunately this no longer means you can invite your friends over," Dr Young said.

"We understand how important social contact with friends and family is but we need to do everything we can to slow down the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and this means limiting the number of people in each household to a maximum of 10."

Dr Young said this did not apply to households where more than 10 people ordinarily reside in the household.

"For example, if 12 people live in one household, they can be there at the same time, but no visitors are allowed," Dr Young said.

The restrictions came into effect on midnight 27 March 2020, until further notice.

Fines apply for people who do not comply with this direction.

Contact tracing is underway for the 31 new cases. Queensland Health will notify the community if any other public health alerts are required.

The majority of cases are from patients who have travelled overseas, or have had direct contact with a confirmed case who had travelled overseas.

The number of confirmed cases we see each day is expected to vary as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 situation across the state.

We want everyone to know they can play their part to protect themselves and the more vulnerable in our community. Please follow the recommended advice from us and our federal counterparts in regards to social distancing, public gatherings and general wellbeing.

Critically, make sure you are practicing good hygiene and staying home if you're sick. Washing your hands properly and often is the gold standard of health advice that can help prevent viruses from entering your body.

Queensland Health is urging anyone who has been overseas in the last 14 days and has a fever or any respiratory symptoms to see a doctor immediately. Please call ahead to the GP surgery and let them know your symptoms and travel history, this will help them prepare for your arrival.